Western Union supports International Women's Day

A new global survey
has found that women of all generations shared similar views about the serious challenges preventing their societies from
achieving gender equality. In fact, more than two-thirds of women around the world are not very optimistic that gender equality can be achieved
in the next five years, and more than 30 percent believe gender equality is impossible.

Women across all five countries (United States, United Kingdom, China, India and Brazil) were unified in their view that
unlocking education for girls is key to achieving gender
equality, along with accomplishing societal shifts in how girls and women are viewed. Nearly two thirds (63
percent) see gaining equality and inclusivity in the workplace as a vital first step.

The multi-generational
research conducted by Research Now and commissioned by
Western Union, a global leader in payments and
official International Women's Day (IWD) sponsor, surveyed 5,000 women - spanning millennials, Gen X, boomers and senior groups - across the
five countries.

Key findings in the research

69% of women say girls need to be encouraged to speak up more to advocate for themselves, while 66% believe boys must be taught to listen,
understand and respect more;

More than 67% say society expects women to take on responsibilities that it does not expect men to take on;

78% feel that men and boys still believe they are superior to women;

45% identify social and cultural factors where girls are viewed as inferior to boys and not worth educating as a barrier to girls accessing
a quality education;

62% say it is important to have educational programs that "teach girls diverse skills to be effective leaders and take risks";

60% also feel that it is important to have school social programs that grow girls confidence/self-worth;

Half of women want more lessons and textbooks to teach about the lives and accomplishments of women.

Education has the power to be life changing for girls
and a key determinant of their quality of life. Eighty-four percent of women agree that if
we break down the barriers to quality education for all girls, we can unlock their potential and develop women that will change the world -
immaterial of where they are based across the globe.

President and CEO Western Union Hikmet Ersek, said: "These results are sobering, and show that
all of us - as business leaders, global citizens, and parents - have a long way to go to achieve gender equality.

"Western Union believes that every girl, everywhere, should have the chance to pursue her dreams and goals. That's why we are a proud participant
in International Women's Day and we're proud that 90 percent of the grants provided through the Western Union Foundation over the past 15 years
have gone towards education programs."

In parallel, the Western Union Foundation is also
announcing for IWD the WU Scholars Program,
a global scholarship program, dedicated to the education and empowerment of students around the world, including even more women.

"Education is one of the most important investments we can make," Ersek added. "It turns girls into leaders. It turns global citizens into economic
drivers, who then continue to invest in education. It breaks down barriers to education and empowers a bolder generation of young women to achieve
their true potential."

Western Union operates in more than 200 countries and territories
around the world, and more than half of the people who sent money through its money transfer business in 2016 were women. Of those who received
funds through Western Union, more than 65 percent were women.

The company has also undertaken a multi-year effort - the Chain of
Betters initiative - to stimulate recognizing good deeds, and extraordinary efforts by people to help one another. This year, Western Union
has created a short video that inspires communities
to champion a bolder generation of women through education and shines a light on young girls in tribute of International Women's Day.

Breaking down barriers

These findings have inspired Western Union to expand its commitment to break down barriers across the globe and launch a $250,000
Global Scholarship Program, which launches on March 8 in line
with IWD 2017. The program will provide financial support to students around the world, including young women, giving access to the knowledge
and skills needed to pursue their dreams with confidence.

#BeBoldForChange

In honour of IWD, Western Union is inviting people to empower women by sharing the best, bold advice they've ever given or received about
fearlessly pursuing a dream. It might be a piece of sage advice from your mum, your favourite inspirational quote, or something you say to
your kids. Use hashtags #TheRaceIsOn #BeBoldForChange to inspire others and show you believe every girl deserves her place on the starting
line.

Join the community

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The
day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women's Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the
first​ ​March 8​ ​IWD gathering supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the​ Socialist Party
of America, United Kingdom's Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups
collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.​ Make IWD your day! - everyday!